Maybach To Fold?

Here's a rumor that might be considered ugly by those of you that are into huge, opulent sedans built in limited numbers: Maybach might be folding up its tent and quitting. Deiter Zetsche, head dude at Mercedes, parent company of Maybach, recently said that the German uber- luxury brand " ... may not be seeing too many sunrises in the foreseeable future."

Zetsche, who was speaking to reporters at this years Frankfurt Motor Show recently, pointed out that Maybach may soon be phased out because of a " ... shift in consumer preference in luxury cars resulting from the global financial crisis." Or to put it another, and more obvious, way 'There ain't as many rich folk, or people who can afford to drop this kind of scratch walking around any more.'

Bear in mind that Herr Zetsche was not making any official announcements at Frankfurt, but was only saying that if he was in the market for a big luxury sedan, " ... a Maybach would be far off the list in terms of preferred luxury cars ... ". Ouch. I wonder what the mood at the Maybach offices are like these days?

He went on to say that the overall market has been gradually shifting to more modest and more discreet luxury vehicles; cars like the S-Class, for example. And clearly modest and discreet are not words used to describe a Maybach, a car that is literally sold by the foot, like a luxury yacht.

For the moment, however, this is just a rumor until Zetsche or Mercedes announced something official. But still, when the president of your company says things aren't looking good for your division, you'd be well advised to pay attention. Of course, this makes me wonder about just how the numbers are shaking out for Maybach.

Rolls-Royce is doing OK, just rolling out the new Ghost model, and Bentley, another direct competitor for the likes of Maybach and Rolls, just rolled out a new Mulsanne. Perhaps people are only trying to be less flashy in Germany, or maybe the profit margin for Maybach is just too thin?

Whatever the reasons, Zetsche just fired a warning shot across the bow of SS Maybach.

Source: Top Speed. Photos from Flickr users stephenhanafin, khbm and tonylanciabeta.